It was an end-of-summer outing to the Oregon Museum of Science and
Industry for Melanie DeBellis and her two youngsters, Rocco, age 7, and
Marian, 4. A visit to the gift shop — just to check it out — was part of
the day.

While schoolyard conflicts are a natural part of growing up, harassment
never should be. Yet a large number of young people, girls especially,
face some form of harassment during their schoolage years. A national
report released this spring by the Associated Press disclosed that
during a four-year period, 17,000 cases of harassment were reported in
grades K-12. According to a 2011 study by the American Association of
University Women, 56 percent of girls in seventh through 12th grades
were harassed at school or by a school-related person.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Retired
Archbishop Harry J. Flynn was rector of Mount St. Mary's Seminary in
Emmitsburg, Maryland, when he got a call in 1979 from an old friend from the seminary,
asking if he could visit for a week.

BRIDAL VEIL — Flames
licked within 15 feet of their convent driveway, but the building was
untouched. For the second time in 26 years, the Franciscan Sisters of
the Eucharist averted a forest fire racing through the windy Columbia
River Gorge.

“All refugees have a story of resilience.” So
Asukulu Songolo began the speech that won him second place in the
original composition section for eighth graders at the Valley Catholic
Middle School speech tournament last spring.

MEXICO CITY — Holy Family Church has been closed off
for security reasons while waiting for inspection for structural damage from
the Sept. 19 earthquake. In the meantime, Masses are organized in the small
chapel that lies hidden at the end of a patio behind the church.

A Southeast Portland parish stands as a witness to tradition in a trendy neighborhood

WATCH: St. Stephen aims to attract through truth, goodness and beauty

A Southeast Portland parish stands as a witness to tradition in a trendy neighborhood

WATCH: St. Stephen aims to attract through truth, goodness and beautyA Southeast Portland parish stands as a witness to tradition in a trendy neighborhood

WATCH: Archdiocese announces grants that tackle poverty at roots

The Catholic Church's anti-poverty arm, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, funds programs that get at the roots of unfair social systems. See scenes from a grants banquet in Portland, Oregon.

WATCH: Archdiocese announces grants that tackle poverty at rootsThe Catholic Church's anti-poverty arm, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, funds programs that get at the roots of unfair social systems. See scenes from a grants banquet in Portland, Oregon.

WATCH: Portland Pickles reach out to churches and there is a Catholic flavor at the ballpark

At a humble Portland ballpark, there are Catholics all over. The Portland Pickles have a wonderfully whacky name, but deep ideas come into play.

WATCH: Portland Pickles reach out to churches and there is a Catholic flavor at the ballpark At a humble Portland ballpark, there are Catholics all over. The Portland Pickles have a wonderfully whacky name, but deep ideas come into play.

WATCH: A century of faith and fun

St. Anthony Parish in Southeast Portland has adapted over the century to better serve the people, and joy has always been part of the plan

WATCH: A century of faith and funSt. Anthony Parish in Southeast Portland has adapted over the century to better serve the people, and joy has always been part of the plan

WATCH: Pentecost by smart phone

One in a string of efforts at unity, parish uses an app so all can pray in their language

WATCH: Pentecost by smart phoneOne in a string of efforts at unity, parish uses an app so all can pray in their language

As we continue this series of columns exploring the pastoral priorities established at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly and refined by the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, we turn next to the priority of marriage and family life. In the wake of two synods of the world’s bishops on this topic, this is clearly a major priority for the whole Church throughout the world.